A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Canberra vs. Vienna for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Canberra or Vienna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Canberra or Vienna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Canberra

Canberra is a cultural, diverse, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Vienna

Vienna is a traditional, artistic, and musical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Canberra and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Vienna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vienna than Canberra. Vienna is bigger than Canberra, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vienna is better known for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Canberra is more popular for its hiking and big city activities. Vienna is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Canberra is well known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Canberra different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vienna and Canberra. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Canberra or Vienna?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Canberra and Vienna.

Canberra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Many visitors head to Vienna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Is the Food Better in Canberra or Vienna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Canberra and Vienna.

Canberra has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Dining out in Vienna is an experience not to be missed. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Is Canberra or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Both Canberra and Vienna have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Canberra or Vienna Better for Music?

Vienna is terrific for its live music scene. However, Canberra is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Vienna. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Canberra is not a live music destination.

Is Canberra or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is terrific for its old town. However, Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Vienna has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Is Canberra or Vienna Better for Hiking?

Canberra is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Canberra has hiking trails worth exploring. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Vienna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Vienna?

Vienna is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Vienna draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Canberra or Vienna Better for Families?

Canberra is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Canberra or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Vienna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Canberra or Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Canberra is very popular with students. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Is Canberra or Vienna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vienna is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Vienna can take you anywhere. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

You'll find some public transit in Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Canberra or Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vienna. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

For even more information, also check out Is Canberra Worth Visiting? and Is Vienna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Vienna?

In either Canberra or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than Canberra because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Canberra, and 2-5 days is enough time in Vienna.

Families should spend more time in Canberra than Vienna. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Canberra, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Vienna than Canberra. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vienna that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vienna than Canberra if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Vienna.

One day in Canberra or Vienna?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Canberra. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Vienna offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Canberra or Vienna?

Canberra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Vienna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vienna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Canberra or Vienna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Canberra. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Vienna is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vienna, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Canberra or Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Canberra. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Vienna is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Canberra and Vienna, we can see that Vienna is more expensive. And not only is Canberra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Canberra is in Pacific and Vienna is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Canberra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Canberra and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Vienna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vienna than you might in Canberra.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Canberra Expensive? and Is Vienna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Vienna?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra and Vienna, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Canberra or Vienna?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Vienna has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Canberra or Vienna in the Summer?

Both Vienna and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Vienna in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Canberra is cooler than Vienna in the summer. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.

In January, Canberra usually receives more rain than Viennain July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Canberra or Vienna in the Autumn?

Both Vienna and Canberra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vienna for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Canberra is a little warmer than Vienna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Canberra in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Vienna averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Canberra. Canberra usually gets more rain in April than Viennain October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Vienna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Vienna. Most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Vienna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Vienna can be very cold. In July, Canberra is generally much warmer than Viennain January. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 11°C (52°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In July, Canberra usually receives more rain than Viennain January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Canberra or Vienna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Vienna. The spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Vienna this time of year.

Canberra is a little warmer than Vienna in the spring. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in April.

Canberra usually gets more rain in October than Viennain April. Canberra gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Canberra